DOHA, Qatar, October 22. AS seen in the picture above, the Israeli flag did not show up as part of the broadcast feed coming out of the FINA World Cup in Doha, Qatar when Israeli Amit Ivry stepped up to contest the women’s 100-meter IM.
100 IM video
Middle Eastern countries have had a long history of snubbing Israeli athletes whenever and wherever possible, with many athletes from Middle Eastern countries electing to disqualify themselves from competition against any Israeli athlete.
In swimming, Israeli swimmers have been subjected to being announced as nationless athletes, sometimes just referring to them as hailing from ISR.
Top Israeli swimmer Gal Nevo posted on Facebook his experiences in Dubai and Doha.
“The name Israel was not mentioned, throughout the competition we were presented as ISR swimmers, and the editors of the television broadcast were instructed to do everything in their power to remove us and our flag from the frame.”
Nevo also explained that Ivry did earn some recognition when she took silver in the 100 IM with her being mentioned as from Israel
Swimming World’s Israeli correspondent Dr. Buky Chass reports that while the Dubai stop would not announce or acknowledge any Israeli swimming, that the word “Israel” was mentioned during the second meet in Doha.
Chass also reports that the Israeli swimmers who did take part in the two meets felt great success and pride in being acknowledged in Doha.
What is somewhat surprising, considering the experience felt by the Israelis during the Middle Eastern trip, is that the Israeli flag did appear next to Ivry’s name as part of the women’s 100-meter fly finale on the first day of swimming in Doha.
100 fly video
Swimmming World has requested comment from FINA regarding the missing flag during the 100 IM video, and has not received a response in the past day.
There is even reports from the area as well that the Israeli flag was pulled from outside the facility.
Disgusting!The Israeli flag was removed from the Competitive outdoor pool at the World Cup swimming competition. #swc2013 @UAESwimming? Aaron Maccabee (@Amaccabee) October 22, 2013